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I`m two years into my business. The first year and a half, I spent just doing research, getting the basics formed, and just absorbing a lot of business reading and advice while working full-time hours. My small investment was made on making myself a bit more business savvy. Being on the creative/design side for many years in my corporate career, I always relied on others, and other departments to do all the number crunching...and so I decided it was finally time to jump in and just give this side of business a fair amount of my attention. Little did I realize, that being "creative" in business can be addictive, especially when it`s your very own venture.
In early 2008, I cut back on my freelance hours at work to focus on my plans. I even did some traveling abroad to research the potential to work with vendors outside the US. My co-workers and supervisors were not thrilled, but understood. They did not want to hold me back. I learned a lot, moved ahead with my business plan and strategy to work domestically...and now I find myself very close to seeing my goals met...even if I`ve lowered my expectations.
Up until the "bailout" bombardment of news and now, all the dismal projections, I was doing fairly well getting my business ready to stand up on two feet, even if I expected it to be a bit wobbly. The point is....I was self-motivated, inspired and energized. I felt very impassioned in my new entrepreneurial clothing...and I still have the tremendous satisfaction of being free from my cubicle. So onwards,
I am gearing up for two trade shows where I will offer for sale my products, direct to customers, to independent retailers and wholesalers. So far, I feel I will be prepared.
Nonetheless, to be perfectly honest..."I`m scared out of my mind". But I have to remind myself that I have done the research. I have taken into consideration the current economic problems, and adjusted my expectations. Knowing that I have decided to move forward...not to sink, but to keep swimming...even if over deep, scary waters.
If anyone out there is in a similar position in their start-up venture...please share your thoughts and comments.
I have added a video link to this posting that gives insight to business owners who are getting ready for the storm to hit, and those that have already adjusted their business expectations to survive the next year, or two. I remain hopeful, that our new president will address our needs...as I enter into this ocean of uncertainty...I have faith that the same ocean will offer tremendous opportunity and growth as it always has.
Here is the link to an interesting video series from the New York Times:
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/10/16/nyregion/1194825165745/small-business-and-the-economic-crisis.html
Here`s another
"stupid" cliche nobody cares about anymore: When life hands you lemons,
make lemonade. LOL!! Keep your sense of humor, and you`ll do okay,
y`know?
